Factors Predicting Quality of Life of Trauma Survivors in the Unrest Areas of the Southernmost Provinces of Thailand

Abstract

Living in the midst of terrorist attack areas has a potential impact on the Quality of Life (QoL) particularly in those who experience a traumatic injury. This study aimed to identify factors influencing QoL of trauma survivors in the unrest area of the southernmost provinces of Thailand. 132 trauma survivors from the four southern Thai provinces were purposively selected. The instruments used were questionnaires including that for: (1) demographic and health record, (2) social support, (3) perceived security of life, and (4) the Short Form Health Survey-36 Questionnaire. The descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression were used in the data analysis. The findings showed that some personal and environmental factors, namely disability, employment, social support, and feeling secure from the unrest, had significant direct effects on QoL of trauma survivors and could explain 47% of the variance of QoL. This study could suggest the development of appropriate intervention to enhance QoL of trauma survivors in the unrest area of the southernmost provinces in Thailand.